Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Loyal and Loving Cat Helps to Corner Child Abuser: One Abuser, Two Victims


Yes, this is a sad story but it has a good ending with justice being served. I wanted to share it with all of you because all too often we hear about dogs being loyal and valiant and protective. I thought it was time for Oreo to have his day in the sun and for people to see that cats, too, are capable of above and beyond heroism. Mimi and the gang

When 9-year-old Beth* was sexually abused by her stepfather, she told the prosecuting attorney that someone else knew about it -- but that he couldn’t talk. She was referring to her beloved cat, Oreo.

Beth explained that Oreo would bravely lie outside her door at night and hiss whenever her attacker appeared. In trying to protect her, the loyal black and white cat also became another victim of violence; Beth’s stepfather would always brutally kick Oreo away from the door.

Beth’s revelation gave the prosecutor an idea. She decided to have Oreo examined by a veterinarian. The results were chilling. Sure enough, poor Oreo had sustained injuries consistent with being physically abused.

When the prosecutor submitted the veterinarian’s report to the jury as evidence showing a pattern of violence in the home, Beth’s allegations gained credibility. In a way, Oreo was able to testify, convincing the jury that the traumatized little girl had been telling the truth.

Beth’s stepfather was convicted and received a long prison sentence. Meanwhile, Beth and Oreo were finally able to experience what every child and animal deserves: a safe home.

The prosecutor in Beth’s case was Allie Phillips, who now works for American Humane as vice president of of their Public Policy Office. She and her staff regularly conduct trainings for attorneys, judges, veterinarians, social workers, domestic-violence counselors and other social services providers on what American Humane calls The Link between violence to people and violence to animals, increasing awareness of the powerful role it can play in unmasking and preventing abuse.

9 comments:

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We think that story is heart breaking but we are glad that there was justice!

Anonymous said...

That is so sad and it makes mommy's heart hurt to read about child abuse and pet abuse. We are so gratedul to hear that justice was served, but mom thinks that piece of sh*t who abused that little girl deserves FAR worse than just sitting behind bars. That poor little girl had her innocence and childhood ripped from her. We hope she and Oreo can make a full recovery and we purray that man gets EXACTLY what he deserves. Not just him...all of them!

Amy & the house of cats said...

That is such a sad story for both the little girl and the cat - but it does sound like they had a happy ending, which I am glad about.

Anonymous said...

We are also glad that justice was done. Poor little girl and poor brave Oreo. We hope they recover and live a long and HAPPY life.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

THat makes mum's heart ache a lot. In mums first , she suffered violence, her dog would have layed down his life to protect her and always tried to help her. That poor girl and her poor cat. I am so glad that they are safe and enjoying some love now.. Hugs GJ x

Confucius Cat said...

Sad story but I am so impressed by the strong spirit of that little girl and the bravery of her cat Oreo.

Sweet Purrfections said...

So sad, but so heartwarming. I hope the kitty and little girl have some happiness now.

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Life is so unfair at times. So sad. At least justice was served in the end.

The Oceanside Animals said...

Oreo is a brave kitty.